Hey everyone,
I’m a senior in high school interested in majoring in neuroscience and going into research. However, I do not want to be involved in any kind of animal testing. Is it possible to major in neuroscience without testing on animals?
Please don’t give your opinion on animal testing - you’re entitled to your view and I’m entitled to mine.
All input and advice is greatly appreciated!
Yes, it’s possible, but it may restrict your career path. Not all animal testing is mammalian either. I know of scientific studies (not necessarily neuroscience though) that have involved worms, small aquarium fish and of course, fruit flies.
Anatomical neuroscience will involve working with brains while molecular neuroscience will not.
Yes, it is definitely possible to go into neuroscience without engaging in testing on non-human animals. As technology advances, there are many non-invasive ways to explore topics in neuroscience with humans. You may want to check out any programs you are considering to see if the neuroscience major requires any courses with testing on non-human animals. Cognitive neuroscience programs might be a great fit.
@bouders @WildLupine Thank you so much.
Expansion question: Are you only opposed to personally being involved in animal testing, or are you opposed to being connected to or benefiting from animal testing in any way? The former is certainly possible in neuroscience - I know a lot of neuroscientists who don’t use animal models. The latter is functionally impossible. You’ll probably be in a department that uses animal models, and a lot of your research will probably build upon research that was conducted with animal models.
@juillet I personally don’t want to be involved.
Thanks for responding.